By Kevin Martel

Report to improve education for SK First Nations

Apr 16, 2013 | 6:45 AM

It took the better part of a year with hundreds of comments and feedback, but Monday a joint government-Aboriginal task force released a detailed report on improving education and employment among First Nations and Metis People in Saskatchewan.

Most of the 25 recommendations span four levels: early childhood learning, pre-kindergarten to Grade 12, post-secondary, and the labour force. The goal is to boost graduation rates and help more land jobs.

The recommendations cover everything from providing flexibility for students in high school to obtain credits, incorporating and recognizing First Nations’ languages in schools, and closing the gap in terms of funding levels with provincial schools.

The report even covers something seemingly as simple as expanding the driver’s education program.

“If you don’t have a license you can’t work. I can’t think of any job virtually in Saskatchewan that does not require a license either, to get you to work or as part of your duties,” task force chair Gary Merasty said.

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This isn’t the first time a report similar to this has been commissioned. However, sometimes they’re quickly forgotten about. Merasty said this won’t be a “dust collector”.

“We set up the report so that there’s short, medium and long term goals that can be achieved. Certainly I think some of the short term goals are very realistic,” Merasty said.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) echoed those sentiments.

“We will keep referring back to it because this kind of information direct from the grassroots people and stakeholders cannot be ignored,” said FSIN Vice-Chief Simon Bird.

Education Minister Russ Marchuk said the government will be issuing a formal response, but didn’t offer a timeline. He said he believes they’ll be able to work on the short term goals immediately.

The full report can be found at jointtaskforce.ca.

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